Experts agree that date nights are a vital ingredient in any successful marriage. This time alone provides an opportunity for long-term couples to spend quality time together, create a few new memories, and keep the romance alive. However, after years of being together, it’s easy to fall into a rut when it comes to date night ideas. Today we’re sharing a list of date night ideas for married couples.
We’re put together a list of fun and creative date night ideas that will help you break out of your same dinner and a movie routine. Not that there is anything wrong with dinner and a movie but anything too many times can become a little stale.
Whether you’re seeking a quiet night in for some Netflix and Chill or a thrilling night out, we’ve got you covered. Our suggestions might help revitalize your date nights and deepen your connection with your partner.
Empty Nest: A New Season in Life
We’re not quite empty nesters around here but it’s getting close. As your kids grow and become more independent, you might find that you have more time and energy to focus on your relationship. Now is the time to start planning date nights, trips together, and to find new hobbies or interests to share.
With patience, effort, and a willingness to reconnect, you can strengthen your bond and enjoy a fulfilling and loving partnership.
Ten Date Ideas for Married Couples
Here’s a list of ten date ideas whether you’re married or in a longterm relationship.
1. Have a Picnic in the Park
Pack a basket with your favorite snacks and drinks, and head to a nearby park for a romantic picnic. Lay out a blanket, people watch, and spend some quality time together.
Bored with the idea of just talking? How about tossing around a football or playing catch? Play paddle ball, frisbee, fly a kite, or play corn hole. No matter what activity you choose to do, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy each other’s company.
2. Attend a Cooking Class
Taking a cooking class with your spouse is a wonderful way to spend quality time together while learning a new skill. Cooking classes offer a fun and interactive environment where you can bond with your partner and experiment with new ingredients and techniques.
Check out your local community programs for cooking classes as well as Williams-Sonoma which frequently offers in-store events.
Don’t want to cook? I don’t blame you. How about a class on how to make fancy coffee drinks, or mocktails? Or learn how to grill. What about cookie decorating or how to make a charcuterie grazing board?
3. Take a Dance Class
Taking a dance class with your spouse can be one of the best ways to strengthen your bond and improve your relationship. Dancing together requires communication, trust, and cooperation, all of which are essential elements of a healthy and happy marriage.
I have a friend who belongs to a four-square dance club. Now, I haven’t done the four-square since elementary school, but she swears that she and her husband have the greatest time together plus they have met tons of people through the weekly activity.
4. Go Stargazing
Stargazing with your spouse is one of the most romantic and serene experiences you can have. As the night sky opens up, you can feel a sense of wonder and awe that is unmatched by any other activity.
It’s a chance to slow down, forget about the worries of the world, and simply be present with the person you love. Whether you’re cuddled up on a blanket or lounging in a hammock, stargazing can be a truly magical experience that brings you closer together.
5. Have a Game Night
At a recent weekend away, my husband and I sat down to a checker board in a hotel lobby. We spent an hour strategizing our moves and talking smack to each other. It was so much fun that I bought him a checker board for Father’s Day.
Do you have a favorite board or card game? Spend your evening competing against each other. You can even make it a group date night and invite some friends over. Cards Against Humanity, anyone?
6. Attend a Live Performance
Sharing the joy of music with someone you love can create unforgettable memories. From the anticipation of the opening act to the rush of energy from the headliner, a concert can be a truly immersive experience.
Don’t think you have to pay a fortune for concert tickets either. See what’s happening in your local community, or a summer concert series at a park. Check out Gametime for affordable last minute tickets to concerts and sporting events.
7. Take a Sunset Walk
I often see an older couple in my neighborhood walking hand-in-hand at sunset. When my husband and I go for an evening walk, I find that is the best time to talk about things. Work, home life, kids, or checking in on each other.
8. Have a Movie Night
Choose a movie you both enjoy, make some popcorn, and snuggle up on the couch for a cozy movie night. You can even make it a theme night and choose movies based on a particular genre or actor.
For a stretch of time, my husband and I rewatched the Rocky series of movies. It was fun to watch something together as adults that we saw as kids. We also love watching documentaries, sports, reality TV, comedies, and comedy acts.
9. Go on a Hike
Enjoy the great outdoors with your partner! Hiking offers a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and connect with nature. You and your partner can take in breathtaking views, challenge yourselves physically, and enjoy each other’s company without distractions.
Related: Hiking at Multnomah Falls in Oregon
10. Have a Spa Night
Create a relaxing spa experience at home by lighting candles, playing soothing music, and giving each other massages. You can even make your own face masks and body scrubs for a pampering spa experience.
We’re Your New Best Friends
Hi, we’re Megan and Wendy your midlife besties! Join us on Patreon every Monday where we’re talking everyday life, pop culture, and more!
You can also find us on “Girls Gone Hallmark” on Tuesdays and Thursdays where we review new and fan-favorite Hallmark movies and ask the question: Did you see that?
